- J de Graaf
- Westfalia Technological Services PO Box 1103, Tzaneen 0850, South Africa
- 2008
The South African litchi industry applied for market access to the USA. Market access is a government to government process, with official communication through the respective national plant protection authorities (NPPO), the Department of Agriculture (DoA) and United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS). The litchi, mango and avocado industry interact with the NPPO’s through a DoA chaired market access work group and an independently established market access focus group chaired by Subtrop / Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The USDA-APHIS pest risk analysis (PRA) of SA litchi identified the litchi moth, false codling moth, fruit flies and scales as quarantine pests. During 2007 /08, on behalf of the South African Litchi Growers’ Association (SALGA), comments were co-ordinated on the PRA and communicated to the DoA. The SA litchi industry accepted the proposal to use gamma irradiation for mitigation of quarantine pest risks (no efficacy research needed), with the provision that cold treatment be an alternative once its efficacy is proven. The cold treatment research protocol was obtained from T. Ware and submitted to DoA. In addition, it was requested that irradiation can be conducted in the USA or in South Africa (once accredited facilities are available locally) and to allow export to unfavourable climatic zones in the USA without irradiation treatment. No response from the USDA has been received on these proposals yet, but is expected shortly. The preliminary rule stating conditions of importing SA litchi to the USA will be published in the near future and 90 days will be allowed for comment. A final rule will be published allowing legal import of SA litchi once any concerns have been addressed. The DTI is currently undertaking independent marketing research on the logistics and profitability of accessing the USA market with fresh SA litchis.
Summary:
- Objective: The article provides a progress report (as of 2008) on South African litchi market access to the United States.
- Application Process:
- South Africa, through its litchi industry and government (DoA), is seeking official market access to export fresh litchis to the US, a process that operates government-to-government.
- Risk Analysis & Quarantine Issues:
- The USDA-APHIS Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) identified litchi moth, false codling moth, fruit flies, and various scales as quarantine pests.
- Gamma irradiation was proposed and accepted as the primary mitigation method for these pests, requiring no further efficacy research for regulatory approval.
- Cold treatment was suggested as an alternative, pending proven efficacy; related research and protocols have been submitted and are under review.
- Ongoing Negotiations and Steps:
- Proposals include allowing irradiation in either the US or South Africa (once facilities are accredited), and permitting exports to certain US climate zones without irradiation.
- At the time of reporting, there had been no response from the USDA on these additional proposals, though decisions were expected soon.
- A preliminary rule for conditions of SA litchi imports into the US will be published for a 90-day comment period, after which a final rule is expected pending resolution of any issues.
- Industry Coordination:
- The process is coordinated via a Department of Agriculture-chaired market access workgroup and supported by industry (SALGA, Subtrop, DTI).
- Communication and strategic input involve both governmental and industry entities, with industry feedback coordinated and communicated via official channels.
- Market Research & Importers:
- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is conducting independent research on logistics and profitability for fresh SA litchis in the US market.
- Contacts have been made with a potential US importer, and industry is working to ensure all regulatory and phytosanitary requirements will be met.
- Key Actions and Focus Areas:
- Continue pest mitigation research, especially for cold treatment.
- Maintain active communication with US authorities.
- Only the official industry bodies should participate in regulatory negotiations; private companies are not directly involved at this stage.
- Funding: The project is funded by the South African Litchi Growers Association.
- Conclusion: Efforts continue on technical, regulatory, and market research fronts to enable South African litchi exports to access the US market under conditions that meet US quarantine and import standards.